Pearce: No problems with Corradi

CITY boss Stuart Pearce has dismissed rumours of a rift with Italian striker Bernardo Corradi. Pearce has faced plenty of challenges this season, with the latest coming courtesy of reported criticisms of his training methods from striker Corradi.

CITY boss Stuart Pearce has dismissed rumours of a rift with Italian striker Bernardo Corradi.

Pearce has faced plenty of challenges this season, with the latest coming courtesy of reported criticisms of his training methods from striker Corradi.

The manager has since spoken to Corradi, who insists his remarks to Italian television were misquoted.

Pearce said: "He came to see me on Tuesday, and said: `There have been things quoted about me that I haven't actually said, and it's not true.'

"I told him that I don't really take much notice of what's in a newspaper. Normally, I only really take note of what a player says to me face to face. And that's the case this time.

"And on Tuesday, he said there was no truth in what was said. That's fine, it's not a problem for me.

"Any player will see things however they want to see them. If they're not in the team, you don't expect them to be particularly happy. I understand that, and that's the way it should be with every player in your squad."

Pearce hopes that the extra competition for places up front following Emile Mpenza's arrival from Qatar will give his side an extra threat at St James' Park, where the Blues have won just once in the league in 39 years.

"Competition's been important for us at this club this year," he said. "I think it's a stronger squad this year, as a whole, than last year. But we'll find that out probably in the run-in. The more options we have up front, the better for me." Which is City's best strike pairing? Have your say.